Jaxon Smith-Njigba breaks multiple receiving records during Rose Bowl

Ohio State sophomore receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke multiple records Saturday night during his monster game in the Rose Bowl. Before the third quarter had even ended, Smith-Njigba broke the single game receiving record for the Rose Bowl as well as Ohio State’s school record. His performance also earned him the Ohio State season-total receiving yards record.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba sets multiple records

With an entire quarter still to play, Smith-Njigba had ten receptions and 257 yards along with two touchdowns. Despite the incredible performance, Ohio State still trailed Utah 38-31 entering the fourth quarter. The deficit meant more opportunities were coming towards Smith-Njigba to continue his record night.

With his total still able to climb, Smith-Njigba shattered the previous Ohio State bowl receiving record set by Cris Carter. Carter had 172 yards in the 1985 Rose Bowl. After passing Carter’s record, Smith-Njigba pushed past the Rose Bowl receiving record and now holds the record for the most yards receiving in the storied Rose Bowl’s history.

Smith-Njigba also broke another pair of Ohio State team records during the game, surpassing David Boston’s 1998 season total of 1,435 yards. He also surpassed Terry Glenn’s individual game record of 253 yards receiving that he set in 1995.

Despite already crushing multiple records, Smith-Njigba broke another as the fourth quarter began. Parris Campbell’s single-season receptions record of 90 catches was broken as well, as Smith-Njigba caught his 11th pass of the game and neared 300 yards.

Earlier in the season, the young star broke a team record for single-game receptions with `15 catches against Nebraska. While it was still early in the season, Smith-Njigba’s explosiveness was on full display even then. At this point, a new part of watching Ohio State games will involve watching how many more records Smith-Njigba will be able to break.

Ohio State’s defense stiffened up in the second half of the Rose Bowl to bring their deficit down after a slow start. Smith-Njigba might have to keep his record-setting pace if they intend to win their season finale.